Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola has emerged as one of the leading candidates to host the season finale of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, should the events scheduled for the Middle East need to be canceled due to heightening geopolitical tensions in the region. The recent escalation of conflicts between the United States and Iran has not only erased the chances of Bahrain returning to this year’s calendar, but has also cast doubt over the running of the final rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

According to reports from The Race, planning for the closing stretch of the championship remains open. While series executives are closing in on a deal with Malaysia to replace Bahrain, an official decision regarding the future of the events in Lusail and Yas Marina is only expected to be made at the last minute. Even so, the sport is preparing a contingency plan.

If Qatar and Abu Dhabi ultimately cannot host events, F1 aims to add a race following the Las Vegas GP—scheduled for November 21—preferably utilizing Abu Dhabi’s original slot on December 6. With Malaysia’s likely confirmation, adding another event would ensure the 2026 season reaches the 22-race mark, fulfilling crucial commercial and contractual obligations.

Previously, the Portimão circuit was viewed as the favorite option to take over the season finale, largely due to its turn-key infrastructure and favorable late-year weather conditions in Portugal. However, the circuit’s management is planning facility upgrades to host the Portuguese GP in 2027 and 2028. Hosting a last-minute race in December could compromise that renovation timeline.

As a result, Imola entered the shortlist of alternatives with strong momentum. Staging a race in December, however, would present an unusual technical challenge for teams and drivers: the average high temperature in the region is 7 °C, with an overall average of 4 °C, which would make properly heating the tires extremely difficult.

On the other hand, there is a compelling strategic and emotional appeal. A race in Italy gains significant weight in a year where Andrea Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the title favorite, and Ferrari still harbors hopes of challenging Mercedes for the Constructors’ Championship.

News regarding the calendar should be announced shortly. Bahrain’s fate is expected to be sealed this week. The World Motor Sport Council of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) is evaluating the safety of the final World Endurance Championship (WEC) rounds in the Middle East, with a decision due in the coming days. A negative verdict from the governing body is expected to set the stage for the official cancellation of the F1 race in Sakhir, while also reinforcing the likelihood of Qatar and Abu Dhabi dropping off the schedule.

GRANDE PRÊMIO is covering all the track action from the Hungarian GP, the 11th round of the 2026 season.

F1 Hungarian GP: when to watch in US ET, London (UK), New Delhi (India), Shanghai (China) and Sydney (Australia)

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